Trekking the Langtang Valley Nepal — Part 1: Helambu Trek

This is part 1 of a 4-part series about Trekking in Nepal. Go here for Trekking in Nepal FAQs.

Trekking in Nepal is an extraordinary experience and some of the best hiking of my life. Stunning scenery, surreal sunrises, challenging terrain, breathtaking peaks, villages lost in time, are all part of the standard regimen.

The Langtang Valley trek is a highly recommended alternative to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp–both of which can be overly crowded.

I actually broke the Langtang Valley Trek into four individual connected routes: The Helambu Trek, The Gosainkunda Trek, The Langtang Valley Trek, and the Tamang Heritage. Each trek was unique in its own right and I don’t think I would change a thing, even if I were to repeat the trek over.

Helambu is a low elevation trek so it can be done in the winter months. It is also interesting because it goes through some real villages where you’ll meet farmers, school kids walking to school, and women shucking corn and preparing meals.

There are a few different ways to combine these routes, but this is how my group and I trekked:

Getting Started on the Helambu Trek

From Kathmandu, it’s an easy local bus (1-1.5 hours in traffic) or taxi ride to the town of Sundarijal, just outside of the city. From the end of Sundarijal, enter the park and start hiking up.

Day 1:  Sundarijal to Chisapani : 4.5 hours hike

There are a few guesthouses and tea houses in Chisapani. Don’t miss sunrise from your roof in the morning.

Day 2:  Chisapani to Kutumasang:  7 hours hike

Hike through low elevation, to Kutumasang, a beautifully situated small hamlet with no roads. Stay at Mountain View Tea House. Another great sunrise.

Day 3:  Kutumasang to Mangengoth:  3 hours

Enter National Park, show permit. Uphill hike to Mangengoth at 3,420 m. Cool at night.

Photos from the Helambu Trek in Nepal